20 questions with Blackhawks defenseman Ian Mitchell
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20 questions with Blackhawks defenseman Ian Mitchell originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
In our series debut of 20 questions, I go 1-on-1 with Blackhawks defenseman Ian Mitchell:
1. Favorite NHL team growing up and why?
Edmonton Oilers, because I’m from Edmonton or from the surrounding area, so I didn’t have a lot to cheer for growing up. *Laughs.*
2. Favorite NHL player growing up and why?
It was actually Alex Ovechkin. He was fun to watch as a kid, 8 years old and you see this guy flying around the ice hitting and scoring goals. For defenseman, I always liked Duncan Keith. Him, for sure. And recently I’ve enjoyed watching Jared Spurgeon. He’s from the same town as I am and similar stature, and that’s a guy I want to model my game after.
3. What was your welcome to the NHL moment?
It was actually right when I signed, Patrick Kane did a spin-o-rama backhand top shelf and I thought, “Wow, this guy.” When you see it live, it’s like, “Wow.” It’s another level.
4. Favorite road city in the NHL and why?
I haven’t been to every one, but I had never been to Vegas before, so that was cool to see the strip and everything. And of course Florida too, being on the beach is nice.
5. Favorite road arena in the NHL and why?
I’m still waiting to play at home, I would love to play at Edmonton. But Vegas was just a sick arena too. A lot of times when the game starts people are getting hot dogs and beers, but everyone is in their seat at puck drop, which I thought was cool.
6. Favorite all-time teammate and why?
There’s so many guys. One of the funniest guys I’ve ever played with is Liam Finlay. He plays in Allen in the ECHL right now. Absolutely hilarious. We’re really good buddies.
7. Why do you wear No. 51?
15 was always my number growing up. I always wanted to wear 15, and then when I got to choose my number here, 15 was taken by Zack Smith, so I just flipped it around to 51. Brian Campbell is a guy I looked up to too, so trying to wear his number was another reason as well.
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